| Abstract Title: | Emissions Trading Scheme: A use case for CEMS Data |
| Session Choice: | Emission Trading Programmes: scope and experiences around the world |
| Presenter Name: | Ms Gargi Pal |
| Company/Organisation: | J-PAL South Asia |
| Country: | India |
Abstract Information :
Air pollution is a critical issue in India. The most important pollutant causing violation of air quality standards is fine particulate matter (PM 2.5) which adversely affects life expectancy. Industries are one of the major contributors to air pollution and at the same are the engine of growth for the government's make in India vision. Emissions markets are a powerful solution that can reduce the total cost of reducing emissions, as well as protect the environment. The first Emissions Trading Market based on Particulate Matter (ETS-PM) was piloted in Surat by the Gujarat Pollution Control Board. The market was implemented in an RCT (Randomized Control Trial) setting to enable rigorous evaluation of the scheme. This study was led by Researchers - Prof. Michael Greenstone (University of Chicago), Prof. Rohini Pande (Yale University), Prof. Nicholas Ryan (Yale University), Prof. Anant Sudarshan (University of Warwick). Researchers found that emissions of industries in ETS-PM was lower by 23% as compared to industries that were not a part of the market. Monitoring reporting and verification (MRV) of emissions is an important aspect of any emissions market. Technological advancements as well as the rigorous use of data science in regulation has the potential to create a strong MRV structure. In the pilot market in Surat, emissions data was obtained through Continuous Emissions Monitoring Devices (CEMS). The real time emissions data from CEMS was validated through several statistical techniques, in addition to field inspections. As a part of the study in Surat we observed that CEMS data quality of industries that were a part of the market was better than those who were not a part of the market, implying active use of CEMS data through emissions markets also improves and maintains data quality. Demonstrated feasibility of a PM market in Surat, further implies that a market based on gaseous pollutants such as CO2 and SO2 is easier to set up as gaseous CEMS are relatively easier to maintain and calibrate.
